Hickory trees are a very popular tree species in the Northeastern US. Hickory trees can grow in a variety of environments, including swamps, wetlands and upland woods.
There are four types of hickory trees that are native to New York, Shagbark hickory is the most common, followed by pignut hickory. Mockernut hickory is the third most common, and bitternut hickory is the rarest.
In this article, we will go over these different types of hickory trees and their benefits for homeowners and businesses. We will also discuss the different uses for each type of hickory tree and how to select the perfect one for your needs.
1. Shagbark Hickory
The shagbark hickory is a type of hickory tree that is native to the eastern United States. This tree gets its name from the long, shaggy bark that hangs down from the branches. This hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall!
The leaves of this tree are oblong-shaped and have serrated edges. The nuts of the shagbark hickory are edible and have a sweet flavor.
The shagbark hickory is a popular choice for woodworking projects because of its strong wood. This tree is also used in the production of charcoal and smoking meats. The shagbark hickory is a valuable tree for wildlife, as it provides food and shelter for many animals.
If you’re looking for a unique, eye-catching tree for your landscape, the shagbark hickory is a great option! This tree is sure to add interest and beauty to your property.
2. Pignut Hickory
Pignut hickory trees are one of the four types of hickory trees found in New York. These trees are typically found in the eastern and central parts of the state.
Pignut hickories can grow to be over 100 feet tall and have a lifespan of around 50 years. The nuts produced by these trees are small and not as popular with wildlife as some of the other hickory species.
3. Mockernut Hickory
The Mockernut Hickory is one of the most common hickories found in the eastern United States. It is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall and 2-3 feet in diameter. The Mockernut Hickory has a light brown to grayish bark that is smooth when young and becomes rough and scaly with age.
The leaves are 8-12 inches long and have 5-7 leaflets. The Mockernut Hickory produces small, round nuts that are enclosed in a thin husk. The nuts are edible and are often eaten by squirrels, birds, and other animals.
The Mockernut Hickory is a valuable tree for wildlife. The nuts provide food for many animals, and the trees are used for shelter and nesting sites by birds and squirrels.
This hickory is also an important source of wood for humans. The wood is hard, strong, and durable, making it ideal for furniture, flooring, and other wood products.
4. Bitternut Hickory
The bitternut hickory is a large tree that can grow up to 70 feet tall. This hickory has a smooth, gray bark and its leaves are alternate, simple and pinnately compound with 11-17 leaflets.
The bitternut hickory is found in the eastern United States and Canada. The nuts of this hickory are small and round with a bitter taste.
The bitternut hickory is an important tree for wildlife. The nuts of this hickory are eaten by squirrels, birds and other animals. This tree is also used as a food source by beavers, deer and porcupines.
The wood of the bitternut hickory is hard and strong, making it good for fuelwood, smoking meats and manufacturing furniture.
